PH inspires global action on climate risks at SF Tech Week 2024

Filipino American-founded startups Talino Venture Studios and BayaniPay hosted an event at Kapwa Gardens in San Francisco entitled “Climate Resilience by Design: Opportunities in Deep Tech and AI to Mitigate Climate Risk” during SF Tech Week 2024. CONTRIBUTED

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Philippines took center stage at this year’s San Francisco (SF) Tech Week, where cutting-edge solutions aimed at mitigating climate risks were unveiled.

Filipino American-founded startups Talino Venture Studios and BayaniPay hosted an event entitled “Climate Resilience by Design: Opportunities in Deep Tech and AI to Mitigate Climate Risk” during SF Tech Week 2024.

“The Philippines is uniquely positioned to lead in climate resilience innovations, having experienced the impacts of climate change firsthand,” said Winston Damarillo, CEO and founder of Talino Venture Studios and BayaniPay.

“Developing solutions to anticipate future challenges is crucial, and by integrating technology, education, and government initiatives, we are creating scalable solutions that can benefit both the Philippines and the world.”

Winston Damarillo, CEO and Founder of Talino Venture Studios and BayaniPay, welcomes attendees to “Climate Resilience by Design: Opportunities in Deep Tech and AI to Mitigate Climate Risk” during SF Tech Week 2024. CONTRIBUTED

The SF Tech Week event brought together a diverse group of policymakers, climate tech entrepreneurs, impact investors, and sustainability experts to discuss how deep technology and artificial intelligence (AI) can mitigate climate risks—particularly in the Philippines, the world’s most climate-vulnerable country.

Two fireside chats were featured, focusing on strategies and actionable steps for climate risks and technology commercialization.

The first discussion, “Macro Strategies for Climate Resilience: Effective Approaches and Solutions,” explored the intersection of innovation, policy, and community engagement to drive climate risk mitigation.

Moderated by climate advocate Kristy Drutman, the panel included Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang; De La Salle University (DLSU) President Br. Bernie Oca; Chemonics International’s Senior Vice President for Impact Saeed Uri; Kiana Kazemi, co-founder and CEO of Beaker, a climate-tech startup; and ABS-CBN Foundation US Managing Director Lisa Cabahug, all discussing policy frameworks and capacity building for resilient communities.

Panel moderator Kristy Drutman, founder of Green Jobs Board (far left) with speakers (L-R): Kiana Kazemi, co-founder and CEO of Beaker; Chemonics International’s Senior Vice President for Impact Saeed Uri; ABS-CBN Foundation U.S. Managing Director Lisa Cabahug; De La Salle University (DLSU) President Br. Bernie Oca; and Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang speak during the “Climate Resilience by Design: Opportunities in Deep Tech and AI to Mitigate Climate Risk” event at SF Tech Week 2024. CONTRIBUTED

“We must prioritize climate resilience across all regions in the Philippines, not just urban centers. By focusing on vulnerable communities nationwide, we can ensure that our climate adaptation strategies are inclusive and far-reaching, safeguarding both rural and urban areas from the increasing impacts of climate change,” said DOST Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang.

The second panel, “Productizing Innovations: Turning Ideas into Marketable Solutions” centered on turning climate tech ideas into scalable, market-ready solutions.

The discussion featured Damarillo, Chemonics board member Gunjan Bhow, DOST Asec Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr., and DLSU Animo Labs Executive Director Atty. Mike David, who provided insights into commercialization and the role of interdisciplinary partnerships in climate tech development.

SF Tech Week 2024 participants included De La Salle University (DLSU) President Br. Bernie Oca; Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Assistant Secretary Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr.; ABS-CBN Foundation U.S. Managing Director Lisa Cabahug; DOST Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang; Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat; 2024 Miss Philippines USA Chloe Jane Reyes; Vice Consul Hannah Go, Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco; Victoria Maborrang; Winston Damarillo, CEO and founder of Talino Venture Studios and BayaniPay. CONTRIBUTED

Jamey Butcher, President and CEO of Chemonics International, delivered a keynote address underscoring the critical role of global collaboration in combating climate change.

“The climate crisis is one that all of humanity faces,” Butcher said. “And to address it we have to bring the brightest minds and substantial resources to find and implement solutions that have sustainable global impact.”

The event also showcased the recently announced pioneering partnership between the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST), De La Salle University (DLSU), and DEVCON Philippines (DEVCON).

This collaboration, which will develop the Climate Resilience Technology (CResT) platform, aims to accelerate climate tech innovations through scientific research, advanced technology, and commercialization efforts.

Building on the momentum of SF Tech Week, the Climate Resilience Innovation Summit is scheduled for February 27-28, 2025 in the Philippines, with events at De La Salle University Manila and Verde Island, a marine biodiversity hotspot in Batangas.

This summit will convene innovators, policymakers, and investors to further drive climate action.

Damarillo extended an invitation, saying, “We are at the cusp of groundbreaking climate solutions, and the upcoming summit will be a platform for the world to come together and turn ideas into impactful actions.”